Castletownbere Festival of the Sea
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Castletownbere's maritime history with live music, seafood, cultural displays, and water activities. There will be a world record attempt to pull a 1,000-tonne tug.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Castletownbere's maritime history with live music, seafood, cultural displays, and water activities. There will be a world record attempt to pull a 1,000-tonne tug.
Why it matchesThis festival in Sneem has storytelling, lectures, and performances for all ages. Children have their own events, and adults can enjoy plays and a choir concert.
Why it matchesThis festival in Schull offers a weekend of family fun with crab fishing, a treasure hunt, an art competition, tug o' war, and a raft race. There will be live music and other activities across the village.
Why it matchesVisit a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm with animals. See famine ruins and an ancient sun calendar. You can join a guided tour to try traditional farm jobs like turf cutting, sheep shearing, butter churning, and weaving.
Why it matchesTake a 90-minute boat trip around Dursey Island and nearby rocks to see lighthouses, natural arches, and local wildlife like whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You can also do a trip around Bere Island.
Why it matchesTake a guided motorised kayaking tour along Kenmare Bay to see the scenery and wildlife. You can choose a fishing or wildlife tour.
Why it matchesGleninchaquin Park is a family-run park and farm in a valley on the Beara Peninsula. You can walk trails through streams and woodlands, see a 140m waterfall, and enjoy the lakes. There are picnic spots too.
Why it matchesRent a kayak, canoe, or rowboat in Adrigole harbour to see a seal colony. No experience is needed. For more adventure, take a live-aboard sailing trip to explore the coast and its wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, seeing ancient sites, Martello towers, and the Heritage Centre. You can walk, cycle, or take part in water activities like boat trips, fishing, and swimming.
Why it matchesFamilies can go fishing for mackerel from Dooneen Pier, or take a swim in the sheltered waters. It's a good spot for a picnic too.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a paddle in the calm waters of Schull Harbour or take a walk along the harbour to experience the village atmosphere. It is a popular spot for water activities.
Why it matchesTake a ferry to Bere Island to explore its walking trails, military heritage sites, and enjoy views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains. Tickets are bought on board.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, enjoying its scenery and historical sites like Martello towers and forts. It is good for walking and cycling, and the community is very welcoming.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Pontoon Pier and enjoy the sea air, or take a boat trip from here to Bere Island to explore its history.
Why it matchesTake the ferry to Bere Island and explore. You can walk or cycle around the island, enjoying the views of the Beara Peninsula mountains.
Why it matchesTake a car and passenger ferry to Bere Island. It's a chance to see the island and the bay from the water.
Why it matchesExplore over 60 acres of gardens with 12km of paths, spotting rare plants and wildlife like Sika deer and sea eagles. Enjoy views of the harbour and mountains, then have a picnic or cream tea.
Why it matchesThis large bronze sculpture in Waterville is a tribute to explorers and seafarers. It features a sundial and depicts a boat emerging from the sea.
Why it matchesSee the bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin, a famous silent movie actor, in Waterville. He and his family used to holiday here. The statue looks out over Ballinskelligs Bay.
Why it matchesVisit Barley Cove, a sandy beach with dunes formed by a tsunami. You can get to the beach from the car park by crossing a floating pontoon over a river.
Why it matchesThis outdoor gallery has 150 information panels on Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photos about South Kerry's heritage, culture, and nature. There are picnic benches with views of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay.
Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.
Why it matchesTake a short boat trip to Garinish Island and explore the gardens. You will see plants from all over the world, with different flowers blooming depending on the time of year.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch boats in the harbour, admire the buildings, or walk through the ancient oak forests along the coastline.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry to Whiddy Island and explore its unique nature and wildlife. Look for fuchsia and insect-eating plants, or visit the Napoleonic fort. You can also relax by the lakes and watch for birds.
Why it matchesFamilies can park up and enjoy the views over the local countryside and Bantry Bay from this lookout spot on the Beara Peninsula.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch the fishing boats in Castletownbere Harbour and walk along the palm-lined waterfront. The town is nearby for exploring.
Why it matchesThis is a scenic viewpoint with picnic tables. You can start a walk up Mount Seefin or join the Sheep's Head Way walking route from here.
Why it matchesVisit the Mizen Head Signal Station, learn about its history, and look for wildlife like seals and whales from the bridge. Explore the keepers' quarters and engine room.
Why it matchesThis is a spot to take in the views over Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. It is a rocky landscape with native heathland.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip to this island garden and explore the unique plants and architecture. You might even spot seals and sea eagles on the way.
Why it matchesWander through the woods from Glengarriff village to find the tidal Blue Pool. You can dip your feet in the rock basin and explore the forest trails for views of the harbour.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an exotic garden with many types of bamboo, palms, and tropical plants. There are paths to wander and views of Glengarriff Harbour, plus some mysterious old stone pillars.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a short ferry to Long Island, then enjoy walking on the shingle beaches and looking at the plants and animals.
Why it matchesFamilies can enjoy a walk in Dunboy Woods, with a choice of three waymarked trails. The shortest is 1km, and the longest is part of the Beara Way.
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